Name: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 270 min
Total time: 280 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts) (You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.); 2 cups 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon onion granules; 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix; 0.5 teaspoon ½ teaspoon paprika; 0.25 teaspoon ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups chicken broth (Ensure broth is gluten-free if needed.); 1 lb 1 lb cheese tortellini (Frozen tortellini can be used; adjust cooking time.); 1 cup 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 0.5 cup ½ cup heavy cream; 2 cups 2 cups baby spinach; 0.33 cup ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of CrockPot Chicken Tortellini. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy embrace, making it perfect for weeknight dinners after a long day or for casual family gatherings. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delightful cheese tortellini, this recipe combines rich flavors and texture without keeping you tethered to the stovetop. As someone who’s made this dish countless times, I can assure you: it’s a total crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will rave about.

Why make this recipe

Reasons to try it

Why should you sauté, stir, and stress over dinner when you can let your CrockPot do the heavy lifting? This recipe is not only a breeze to prepare but also budget-friendly, making it a go-to for families and those busy weeknights. Plus, the combination of chicken, marinara sauce, and tortellini means it’s delicious yet uncomplicated enough that even your kids will be excited to eat it.

Here’s what one reviewer had to say:

"Absolutely love this recipe! It’s creamy, flavorful, and my kids devoured it. I love that I can throw everything in the CrockPot and forget about it until dinner."

How to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Step-by-step overview

The beauty of this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is in its simplicity. You’ll first layer the chicken in your slow cooker, then smother it in marinara sauce and spices. After letting it cook low and slow, you’ll shred the chicken, add tortellini and cheese, and finish with fresh spinach. It’s as easy as that! Let’s look closer at what you’ll need.

Ingredients

Gather these items

To create this comforting dish, grab the following ingredients:

Olive oil spray
1 ½ lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion granules
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 lb cheese tortellini
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups baby spinach
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Note: You can use rotisserie chicken instead to save some time, or opt for spinach tortellini for an extra flavor kick.

Directions

Step-by-step instructions

Begin by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, sprinkling the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes on top.
Cover and set your slow cooker on LOW for about 4 hours.
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the CrockPot and give it a good mix with the sauce.
Add in the tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream; stir until well combined.
Cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes.
Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to cook for 10 more minutes until wilted.
Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese, taste for seasoning, and adjust if necessary.

How to serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Best ways to enjoy it

When serving this dish, consider garnishing it with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added zing. Pair it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread to really elevate your meal. This culinary masterpiece will shine both as a main course at your family dinner table or as a comfort food to share with friends on a cozy evening in.

How to store

Keeping leftovers fresh

Storing your leftovers is simple! Place any uneaten CrockPot Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure the dish is heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.

Tips to make

Helpful cooking tips

To ensure the best results, here are a few handy tips:

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
Feel free to play around with your spices! Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add a lovely aroma.
If you’re in a pinch, using frozen tortellini works just as well—just add a few extra minutes to cook time.

Variations

Creative twists

Get creative with this recipe! You can substitute the chicken for turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. Looking for more zest? Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean flair. Adjust the flavor profile by using different cheeses or swapping marinara for pesto for a delightful twist.

FAQs

Common questions

How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking takes around 4 hours, plus an additional 40 minutes.

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! If using frozen tortellini, just anticipate extending the cook time by at least 10-15 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure that your marinara and broth are also free from gluten.

With these tips, variations, and answers to common questions, you’ll be well on your way to mastering CrockPot Chicken Tortellini—one slow-cooked delight at a time!